12 January 2010

LADBROKES SEEKS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

TO SUCCEED CHRIS BELL

Ladbrokes plc announces today that Christopher Bell, Chief Executive, is to step down as a Director of the Company. The Board is pleased that, to ensure continuity, he has agreed to stay on in his role into the summer and his departure date will be confirmed in due course. 

Peter Erskine, Chairman of Ladbrokes, commented: "Chris Bell has made an invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Ladbrokes during his 20 years with the Company, nine-years as Chief Executive.  

"It has been agreed between the Board and Chris that this is an appropriate time to seek new leadership for the business.  The Board is currently engaged in the search for a new Chief Executive to fully capitalise on Ladbrokes' brand strength and position the Company for a new era of profitable growth."

Chris Bell, commented: "Ladbrokes is a great company. I have been privileged to be its Chief Executive for nine years and I am proud of all that we have achieved in that time. I look forward to doing all I can to support the Company during this period of transition."

A further announcement will be made in due course.

-ends-

For further information please contact:

Christopher Palmer, Corporate Development Director (07801 018973)

Kate Postans, Head of Investor Relations (07855 335013)

Ciaran O'Brien, Head of PR (07976 180173)